Robert V. Melling, age 79, of New Paris, OH passed away on Thursday, July 29, 2021 at his home. He was born March 16, 1942 in Eaton, OH and attended Monroe School. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served from 1959-1965. He was stationed in Germany where he met his wife Elke. He was the former owner of multiple businesses including Sunset Lanes Bowling Alley, Northside Carry-Out, and the Nickel Saver. He was preceded in death by his parents; Lester Melling and Jewell (Cole) Henne as well as his son Wesley Melling; sister Sherry Locker-Wells. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Elke Melling of New Paris, OH; daughter Brigitte (Todd) Bussen of Fortville, IN; sons Aaron (Gina) Melling of Eaton, OH and Dexter (Christal Niswonger) Melling of New Paris, OH; grandchildren, Autumn, Kelsey, Brandon, Robert, Blake, Tatumn, Breanna and four great-grandchildren with one more expected in January; sister Brenda Estes and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 from 11:00 am until time of funeral service at 1:00 pm at the Girton Schmidt & Boucher Gard Funeral Home, 226 West Main Street, Eaton, OH with Pastor Rodney Dunn offciating. Burial will follow at Wares Chapel Cemetery in West Manchester, OH. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association Miami Valley Chapter, 31 W. Whipp Road, Dayton, OH 45459. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.gsbfuneralhome.com.